Yawa (Long Journey) 2025: A tribute to culture and community | Maree Clarke | Berninneit

Bass Coast Shire Council Presents: 

Saturday 14 Jun 2pm-5pm launch event

Maree Clarke Unveils Yawa (Long Journey) 2025: A tribute to culture and community

Renowned artist Maree Clarke is soon to unveil her latest masterpiece - Yawa (Long Journey), commissioned by Bass Coast Shire Council as a significant addition to the public art landscape in the region.

The unveiling event on Saturday, 14 June, will be open to the public and include a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and speech by Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead.

This captivating artwork, comprised of 30 intricately crafted Murrini glass panels, forms a breathtaking glass canoe suspended overhead the grand hall at Berninneit, Cowes

Clarke, a celebrated First Nations artist of Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Mutti Mutti, and Boon Wurrung heritage, brings her profound cultural insight and collaborative creations to Yawa.

The artwork melds traditional craftsmanship with contemporary vision whilst highlighting the delicate play of light and color inspired by the surrounding wetlands and ocean.

Fabricated at Canberra Glassworks, Yawa spans an impressive 5000 x 565 x 290 mm (LWH), crafted from glass, stainless steel wire, and powder-coated steel. Its patination captures the essence of river reeds, further enriching its connection to the local environment.

Integral to Yawa’s creation were community workshops where over 300 participants contributed to the patterns adorning the Murrini glass panels. Led by Maree Clarke alongside three generations of her family – Kerri Clarke, Wade Mahoney, Mitch Mahoney, Molly Mahoney, and baby Yarran Clarke-Mahoney – these workshops enriched the artwork with shared cultural practices and community spirit.

As community members have commented:

“What a fabulous experience to participate in. Maree's vision and skill is outstanding, and the beautiful, collective creation happened so naturally. I loved being part of it and hearing about Maree's other inspired work”. Tony Norquay

“As a grateful community member, it was a powerful, inspiring experience.

Thank you, Maree” Anne Davie

“How lovely, communal, connection, creative. Maree is a wonder.” Annie Mac

Bass Coast Deputy Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari is looking forward to the unveiling of this powerful piece, shaped by local hands and brought to life through the collaboration of community and First Nations artists.

“Public art can really liven up our public spaces, making them bright and welcoming and make us all feel more connected to one another.

I’ve really enjoyed seeing our community come together to help build Yawa, this amazing piece of First Nations art. It’ll be great to see it unveiled for everyone to enjoy at Berninneit”.

For more information about Yawa, visit www.basscoastculturalvenues.com

Image credit: Maree Clarke, "Murrini Canoe", 2024, hand cut and finished blown murrini glass.

Berninneit Art Gallery

91-97 Thompson Ave, Cowes

Monday-Friday 9:30am-5pm

Weekends 10am-4pm